The ulnar nerve is one of three major nerves that provide feeling and function to the hand. The ulnar nerve runs down the inside of the forearm to the heel of the hand. There, it branches out across the palm and into the little and ring fingers. Excessive pressure on this nerve can cause a loss of feeling and/or muscle weakness in the hand.

Symptoms

Symptoms develop gradually. Weakness and increasing numbness, particularly on the little finger side of the hand are usual signs of ulnar tunnel syndrome. The degree of weakness and numbness depends on the location of the pressure point. Pain may or may not be present. As the syndrome progresses, it may become more difficult to open jars, hold objects, or coordinate the fingers during such tasks as typing or playing a musical instrument.

Diagnosis

The arrow shows an area of muscle wasting that suggests ulnar nerve entrapment at the wrist.

The hand is examined for signs that the muscle is wasting (atrophy) or weakness and dry skin in the spaces between the fingers. One test involves tapping a finger over the ulnar nerve to determine whether this causes a tingling sensation (Tinel sign).

A nerve conduction study may be done to determine whether the nerve is working properly. A computed tomography scan or a magnetic resonance image may be used to identify whether something is putting pressure on the nerve, such as a cyst or another growth. X-rays may be used to identify whether a fragment of a fractured bone is pressing on the nerve.

Because the ulnar nerve also travels through a narrow tunnel at the elbow, that area is examined as well. Pressure at that point in the elbow can cause symptoms in the hand.

Nonsurgical Treatment

Treatment depends on what is causing pressure on the nerve. If the pressure is caused by the way the wrist is positioned, for example, when typing, a change in wrist position or the addition of some padding may be recommended. Anti-inflammatory medications, such as aspirin or ibuprofen, may alleviate symptoms. Short-term use of a wrist splint may be helpful.

Surgical Treatment

Most cases of ulnar tunnel syndrome are caused by a growth at the wrist. The growth must be removed surgically. An experienced hand surgeon can remove cysts, scar tissue, or other causes of compression on an outpatient basis. Once the pressure point is removed, the feeling will return and the numbness and tingling will decrease. It will take several months for the nerve to re-grow and heal completely. Postoperative rehabilitation and exercises will be prescribed by the surgeon.